University of Nebraska - Lincoln
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2011
A Critical Examination of Information and
Communication Technology Policies: Effects on
Library Services in Nigeria
Emmanuel E. Baro
Niger Delta University, [email protected]
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Baro, Emmanuel E., "A Critical Examination of Information and Communication Technology Policies: Effects on Library Services in
Nigeria" (2011). Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 464.
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/464
Library Philosophy and Practice 2011
ISSN 1522-0222
A Critical Examination of
Information and
Communication Technology
Policies: Effects on Library
Services in Nigeria
Emmanuel E. Baro
Librarian II
Niger Delta University Library
Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Introduction
The pervasiveness and importance of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) throughout the economy and society can’t be ignored. The
former United Nations Secretary-general Kofi Annan, stated that, "If harnessed
properly, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have the potential
to improve all aspects of our social, economic and cultural life ICT can serve as
an engine for development in the twenty - first century" (Annan, 2003). The
question that readily comes to mind, how can the ICTs policy challenges be
addressed at both national and international levels, and in all sectors? It is
worthy to note that, there are other key areas of national development that
collectively with IT development policies forms the complete web of national ICT
growth oriented strategy. Adomi (2006), asserted that for the past two decades,
most developed countries have witnessed significant changes that can be traced
to information and communication technologies (ICTs). These multidimensional
changes (technical, financial and economic, cultural, social and geo-political)
have been observed in almost all aspect of life: economic, education,
communications, leisure, and travel. Furthermore, the changes observed in
these countries have led to what is now referred to as the knowledge society.
ICTs have made it possible to find fast access to, and distribution of information
as well as new ways of doing business in real time at a cheaper cost. However,
a considerable gap exists between developing countries, notably African
countries, and developed ones in terms of the contribution of ICTs to the
creation of wealth. The gap tends to widen between developed countries, the
technology suppliers, and the receiving developing countries. At the same time,
the gap between the elites and the grassroots communities within these
developing countries is also expanding in terms of their access to ICTs. If
measures are not taken to make ICTs both affordable and easy to use, access
to them will be insignificant in developing countries like Nigeria (Adomi, 2006).
The question of digital divide has appeared in library and information
science literature frequently as impacting negativity on the provision of library
and information services. The digital divide, a disparity in access to ICTs
between countries and communities is caused by many factors. They include;
inadequate infrastructure, high cost of access, inappropriate or weak policy
regimes, inefficiency in the provision of telecommunication network, language
divides, and lack of locally created content (Mutula, 2004). The divide creates an
environment where the disadvantage groups in society are unable to contribute
and benefit from the information age and global communities created by the
Internet. In most countries of Sub-Sahara Africa, the high cost of access to
telecommunication services, is an impediment to access to ICTs. This is
exacerbated by the fact that IT has not effectively been integrated in the
development agenda of most countries as reflected in the lack of ICT policies
(Mutula, 2004). The question of digital divide phenomenon and its implications for
the provision of information services should concern information professionals
regarding how it should be addressed. The digital divide, if is not properly
addressed, has the negative impact on the provision of information services,
under-utilization of information resources in libraries, and information sharing.
The diffusion of ICT into Africa is at a snail's speed, such that the gap between
the information-rich developed countries and Africa continues to increase
everyday. Africa has 13% of the world population, but only 2% of world
telephone lines and 1% of Internet connectivity measured in terms of number of
Internet hosts and Internet users (Ogunsola, 2005).
The advancement in technology has created so many ICT tools that are
necessary and useful in the development process. These new technologies have
become central to contemporary societies (Aswalap, 2005). Basic classifications
of these modern technologies are:
Information Technology: uses computers, which have become
indispensable in modern societies to process data and to save time. The
use of computers is so pervasive to modern development in commerce,
education and government among others.
Telecommunication Technologies: includes telephones-mobile, and
broadcasting of radio and television-often through satellite etc.
Networking Technologies: these includes the Internet, but which has
extended to mobile phone technology, satellite communications, and other
forms of communication that are still in their infancy. All of these have
come to dominate modern society and become the basis for the survival
of the modern man. Olubamise (2006) remarked that "there are two
issues that are critical to diffuse information technology - access and
liberties". Access has to do with making it possible for everyone to use
the Internet and other media. In societies where only minorities have
telephones, ensuring affordable access to the Internet is a huge
challenge. Much of the response would rely on social solutions such as
community or public access centers. In developed countries, basic access
to Internet is available almost to all, and faster broadband connections
are widespread.
Information Technology Policy in Nigeria.
The federal Executive Council approved a national Information
Technology (IT) policy in March 2001 with the establishment of the National
Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), charged with the
implementation responsibility. The policy recognized the private sector as the
driving engine of the IT sector. NITDA is to enter in strategic alliance,
collaboration and joint venture with the private sector for the actualization of the
IT vision which is to make Nigeria an IT capable country as well as using IT as
an engine for sustainable development and global competitive. It is also used for
education, job creation, wealth creation, and poverty eradication. Emphasis is to
be laid on development of national information infrastructure backbone (NIIB) as
well as the human resources development (Federal Republic of Nigeria,
2001).The National Information Technology Policy has the following general
Objectives. It will:
Ensure that information Technology Resources are readily available to
promote efficient national development.
Guarantee that the country benefits maximally, and contributes
meaningfully by providing the global solutions to the challenges of an
information age.
Empower Nigerians to participate in software and IT development.
To ensure local production and manufacture of IT components in
competitive manner.
Empower the youth on IT skills prepare them for global competitiveness.
Integrate IT into the main stream of education and training.
Create IT awareness and ensure universal access in order to promote
ICT diffusion in all sectors of our national life.
Stimulate the private sector to become the driving force IT creativity and
enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Build a mass pool of IT expertise using the National Youth Service Corp
(NYSC), National Directorates of Employment (NDE) and other platforms
as "train the trainer" scheme (TTT) for capacity building.
It is sad to note that Nigeria has not made any headway in terms of
implementing the objectives stated above in its National policy on IT. Till date,
Nigeria still dependent on foreign countries for importation of computer
hardware, software packages, and depending on foreign experts for the
technical know-how (Adomi, 2006). Omoigui (2006), stated that in terms of
information technology development, South Africa stands in sharp contrast to
other Africa countries including Nigeria. It is estimated that there are about
270.000 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in that country. The IT policy has a
mission statement that says: “To make Nigeria an IT capable country in Africa
and a key player in the Information Society by the year 2005, using IT as the
engine for sustainable development and global competitiveness.” As stated in
the IT policy, by 2005 Nigeria was to become “an IT capable country in Africa.”
We are now already in 2009; can we say that Nigeria is a capable IT country?
To put it plainly, Nigeria is not yet an average ICT country in Africa. The desire
is there, the awareness has been created, but the will power to budget sufficient
funds to propel the ICT wheel of progress has been lacking. If Nigeria is not yet
an average IT country, her university libraries cannot be any better.
Telecommunication Policy in Nigeria
In 1998, the ministry of communications published the maiden edition of
the National Policy on Telecommunications. The policy was approved and
published three years after its production in 1995. Consequently, at the time of
publication, certain prescriptions contained in the policy were outdated,
overtaken by events or required further modification, in other to be consistent
with new developments and emerging industry trends both locally and
internationally. The need for Telecommunications Policy in Nigeria becomes
compelling. The former President (Chief Olusagun Obasanjo) approved the
National Policy on telecommunications presented by the committee on
telecommunications policy for Nigeria and the policy was launched in October
1999 (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2001). The overriding objective of the
National Telecommunications Policy is to achieve the modernization and rapid
expansion of the telecommunications network and services and social
development, and integrate Nigeria internally as well as into global
telecommunications environment. Telecommunications services should
accordingly be efficient, affordable, reliable and available to all. Some of the
short-term objectives of the National Policy on Telecommunications (Federal
Republic of Nigeria, 2001) are;
To promote widespread access to advance communications technologies
and services, particularly the Internet and related capabilities.
To develop and enhance indigenous capacity in telecommunications
technology.
To participate effectively in international telecommunications activities in
other to promote telecommunications development in Nigeria, to meet the
country’s international obligations and derive maximum benefit from
international cooperation in these areas.
To ensure that the government invests its interest in the state owned
telecommunications facilities.
To review and update telecommunications laws in other to bring all
telecommunications operators under the regulatory control of Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC).
The National Policy on Telecommunications also stated medium- term
objectives such as;
To provide a new regulatory environment that is sufficiently flexible to take
into account new technological development and the international trend
towards convergence.
To ensure that public telecommunications facilities are accessible to all
communities in the country.
To encourage domestic production of telecommunications equipment in
Nigeria and development related software and services.
To encourage the development of information super-highway that will
enable Nigerians enjoy the benefits of globalization and convergence.
To create the enabling environment, including the provision of incentives,
that will attract investors and resources to achieve the objectives earlier
stated.
Nigeria lags behind compared to even less endowed African countries,
let alone advanced countries. Large proportions of the Nigerian population which
are rural dwellers are cut-off from having access to telecommunications facilities
in the rural areas. The Nigerian Telecommunications commission (NCC) which
was established by decree 75 of 1992 and was inaugurated in July 1993 with
the responsibility of implementing the above stated objectives could not make
telecommunication services available in the rural areas, thereby denying the
rural dwellers from having access to telecommunication services. According to
Keyami and Dymond (2005), "On average, 70 percent of the population in
developing countries lives in rural areas; long administrative centers leading to
the migration of most of these inhabitants are engaged in agriculture". There is
great disparity between urban and rural economies, with the rural areas
becoming more and more dependent on the urban areas and increasingly
marginalized. A number of problems face the rural areas, including lack of job
opportunities, long administrative centers leading to the migration of most of the
young population to urban areas, and lack of essential social an economic
infrastructure such as health, education, electricity, clean water, roads, and
telecommunications. As a result, in Nigeria most of the poorest people live in
rural areas and hence should be the main focus of any effort to alleviate
poverty. The industrialized countries have started to do this through deliberate
policy decisions that would ensure that the rural areas are brought in to
mainstream of the national development goals (Olubamise, 2006). As the
structure of urban economics changes with services growing much faster than
the other sectors, this structural change is also being reflected in rural economic.
Information-based services account for most of the growth in services, and other
sectors are becoming increasingly information intensive.
Although this trend may not yet be evident in rural economies in Nigeria,
rural activities are being drawn more and more into the global economy.
Manufacturers must now be able to respond to changes in demand; suppliers
must be able to produce small orders for quick delivery; merchants must be able
to update inventory and accounts records instantly. To stay internationally
competitive, farmers must also resort to increased specialization and react to
shifts in consumers demand. In order for this to happen, the information
infrastructure in Nigeria has to be extended to the rural areas. The provision of
telecommunications services, a major component of this infrastructure, is
therefore critical to the development process. Left to the marketplace, rural
service provision will continue to lag because of the perception that rural
investments represent higher risk and lower returns.
Along with recognizing telecommunications operations as state-owned
commercial companies, governments have applied a range of instruments to
advance rural service extension in Thailand. One frequently used measure is to
formalize services access and investment obligations as part of corporation’s
mandate. This has been the case, for example, in Thailand the National
Telecommunications Operator, has assumed the primary responsibility of
connecting every village and sub-village in the country to the network (Kayani &
Dymond, 2005). Botswana represents one successful corporation in Africa. In
Botswana, where the rural areas of the country are relatively high cost, the
state-owned Botswana telecommunication corporation (BTC), under a clear
government mandate, set itself the target of serving all identifiable demand in
villages (Clarkstone, Dymond and Mrazek, 2003). A study of rural region in
Ireland, Italy and the United kingdom reached similar conclusions, demonstrating
that although the most rural and underdeveloped regions could potentially gain
the most from investments in telecommunication (including significant
employment gains) the highest benefits are actually derived in those areas which
possess complementary activities and infrastructures and are ready for sustained
economic take-off (Hanson, Cleevely, Wadsmorth, Bailey, and Bakewell 2005).
This has lead to the general understanding that telecommunication is a
necessary but not sufficient condition for rural economic development. As an
investment, it is most productive when planned and coordinated with other
physical and social infrastructural elements.
On the other hand, telecommunications is an important enabler of and
catalyst to other economic activities. Once business potentials exist and basic
infrastructure is available, the absence of reliable telephone services can be a
critical hindrance to economic growth. Clarkstone, Dymond and Mrazek (2003),
found that despite abundance natural resources and educated people in certain
rural areas, there were virtually no productive enterprises if no telephone
services were available. Conversely, in rural areas with telephone services,
business activities flourish. The availability of telephone services fosters
business development, which in turn further demand for service. Their study also
indicated that telephone was proving vital to the emergence and growth of small
business, diversification of the local economy, and creation of job opportunities
for women (through having access to a phone in the locations used by them for
emerging business) (Clarkstone, Dymond & Mrazek, 2003).
Obviously, it is clear that the telecommunications development in Nigeria
so far is fully depended on foreign technologies. In most cases, investments by
multi-nationals have being a mere relocation of facilities without the transfer of
ability to innovate since all the elements of technology required to make
telecommunication succeed are most often transferred in a packages. The main
constrain to rapid telecommunications development in Nigeria have therefore
been attributed to lack of science and technology, capacity for operation and
maintenance of facilities, technical and managerial activities etc (Alabi, 2004).
Poor policy design hampers implementation of the objectives spelt out in the
policy statement leading to constrains such as inadequate science and
technology infrastructure including S & T manpower, S &T information, materials,
instruments and apparatus for training scientists and technologists in
telecommunications. Limited dissemination of and utilization of research results
in telecommunications practice in Nigeria has also been identified as a definite
constraint to telecommunications development in Nigeria. Also, another factor
that militates against telecommunications development is lack of co-ordination
and proper planning of projects implementation. Poor studies on project scope
and costs resulted in implementation of projects of doubtful economic viability. In
some cases projects were later abandoned which involve huge economic losses.
National Policy on Computer Education in Nigeria:
Before 1998, courses in computer science were envisaged strictly for
the tertiary level of education such as the Universities, polytechnics and colleges
of education. Technologists were expected to teach courses in computer science
and produce graduates in that discipline. The resultant effects of the above state
of affairs was that only few Nigerians had access to tertiary education and only a
negligible percentage of this number were admitted into departments of
computer science. Thus, only few Nigerians were trained in computer
technology. In an attempt to solve all the above mentioned problems, the
Federal Government of Nigeria (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004) decided to
formulate a computer education policy which will not only address the need for
more awareness and also ensure that sound basis for computer education and
utilization is laid. The Federal Government constituted a committee on National
Policy on Computer Education in Nigeria. The committee outlined the following
as the general objectives of the policy (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004);
Ability to use and programme computers.
Knowledge and ability to develop software packages.
Understanding of the structure and operation of the computer.
Appreciation of the economic, social and psychological impact of the
computer.
The use of the computer in problem-solving.
Producing university graduates who are considered computer literates
irrespective of their course of studies or major disciplines.
Producing computer engineering graduates who constitute the core
professionals in the practice and advancement of computer technology
Conducting research and developing hardware, firmware, software, which
will enable the country to attain the latest computer technology capability;
and
Ensuring the provision of the manpower and other resources required to
meet the broader objectives of computer literacy at the tertiary,
secondary, and primary levels of education, and at the societal level.
The above -mentioned laudable objectives could not be achieved due to
lack of implementation of ICT policies in Nigeria. The fact remains that the
number of computers per population in this country is very low, including
secondary schools. Many of the already installed computers are low grade
computers. According to Olubamise (2006), ‘‘all the computers and
telecommunications facilities in Africa are not up to 50% of those of New York
City in the USA". A good computer education programme should therefore aim
not only at teaching Nigerians how to use the computers effectively for national
development but also at preparing them to master computer technology with a
view to ensuring the maintenance and eventually the production of computers.
As Kofi Annan (2003) has put it, "the Internet holds the greatest promise
humanity has known for long- distance learning and universal access to quality
education... It offers the best chance yet for developing countries to take their
rightful place in the global economy... And so our mission must be to ensure
access as widely as possible. If we do not, the gulf between the haves and the
have-nots will be the gulf between the technology-rich and the technology-poor".
Similarly, Al- Anari (2006), asserted that ‘‘the progressive increase in the
use of ICTs in education has drastically changed teaching/learning process" He
further stated that the field of education has been affected by the penetrating
influence of ICTs. ICTs has undoubtedly, impacted on the quality of teaching,
learning and research in various educational institutions. In concrete terms, ICTs
can enhance teaching and learning through its dynamic interactive and engaging
students in learning, helps to relate school experience to work practices, enrich
and deepen skills, help to create economic viability for tomorrows makers,
contribute to radical changes in the school teaching process, and provide
opportunities for connection between schools and the world (Adomi, 2006). The
federal government of Nigeria for instance has in the National Policy on
Education (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004) recognized the prominent role of
information and communication technologies in advancing knowledge and skills
necessary for effective functioning in the modern world and therefore integrated
ICTs in education in Nigeria. In other to actualize this goal, the document states
that government shall therefore provide basic infrastructure and training at the
primary schools. At the junior high school (junior secondary school) computer
education has been made pre-vocation elective and vocational at the senior high
school (senior secondary school). It is the responsibility of the Government to
provide necessary infrastructures and training for the integration of ICTs in the
high school system in recognition of the role of ICTs in advancing knowledge
and skills in the modern world. It should be noted that it was not in 2004 that
Nigerian Government made the first attempt to introduce computer education to
schools. In an earlier attempt to keep pace with development in computer
education, Nigerian Government had, in 1988, enacted a policy on computer
education. The plan was to make computer education necessary in secondary
schools and then to primary schools, unfortunately, at the stage of distribution
and installation of personal computers to schools, the project did not take off.
Adomi (2006), remarked that "computer is not of classroom technology
in over 90% of Nigerian public schools". This implies that the chalkboard and
textbooks continue to dominate classroom activities in most Nigerian high
schools. The Federal ministry of education has launched an ICT driven project
now as School Net (www.snng.org) with the intention to equip schools in Nigeria
with computers and communication technologies to enable teachers and
students benefit from networked information resources and promote e-learning
in the schools, but the project also failed due to lack of proper funding and coordination of the project. The New Partnership for African Development
(NEPAD) in June 2003 at the African summit of the World Economic forum held
in Durban, South Africa launched e-schools initiative intended to equip all Africa
high schools with ICT equipment including computers, radio and television sets,
phones and fax machines, communication equipment, scanners, digital cameras,
copiers, among others. It is also aimed to connect African students to the
Internet. The NEPAD capacity building initiative will be executed over ten-year
period, with the high school component being completed in the first years. The
project is in three phases and an estimated 600,100 schools are expected to
benefit. The aim of the initiative is to impart ICT to improve, enrich and expand
education in African countries (Aginam, 2006).
NEPAD has in a study scored the level of African continent students
experience with their proficiency in using them very low; 55% of the students
within the continent including Nigeria, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameron, Republic
of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda,
Senegal, and Uganda that are participating in the first phase of the e-schools
initiative had no experience at all in using computers; that African typical
environment neither provides much opportunity for students access to computers
and related ICTs nor the training use them, while 75% of responding teachers
have no or very limited experience and expertise regarding ICT educational
applications the other 25% do have a good level of competency and are
applying it in the classroom and that this obviously reflects both the training they
have received and the ICT resources available to them in the schools (Aginam,
2006). Although in the case of Nigeria, Government in 2004 edition of the
National Policy on Education planned to integrate ICT into the school system
and provide the schools with the ICT facilities and trained personnel. Goshit
(2006), opined that "most schools in Nigeria do not yet offer ICT training
progarmmes". The NEPAD e-schools project is expected to take care of
estimated 600,100 schools on the continent of Africa. This means that not all
schools will benefit from this initiative. It has accordingly been noted that through
most of the countries participating in the NEPAD e-schools project have an ICT
development policy or are developing one, but very few have clear
implementation plans (Aginam, 2006). It is sad to note that, the federal, state
and the relevant institutions particularly the universities, polytechnics, research
institutions and some of the government ministries have abandoned the dream
towards the achievement of the set objectives stated in the policy on computer
education in Nigeria. Below is a Table showing the various ICT policies in
Nigeria, when they were established and the body responsible for
implementation of the policies. Table 1: A summary Table showing the various ICT policies in Nigeria,
the year they were approved and the body charged with the responsibility to
implement the set objectives of the various policies.
Policies
Year
Body charged with implementation
established responsibility.
Information Technology
(IT) policy
2001
National Information Technology
Development Agency (NITDA)
Telecommunication
policy
1998
Nigerian Communications Commission
(NCC)
National policy on
computer Education
1988
Federal, State government and the
various institutions
On a general note, the strategies lack all that is needed to achieve or
realize the stated objective of the various ICT policies in Nigeria. Hence the
successful implementation of such policies is elusive. Widespread corruption
leading to lack of genuine commitment incapacitates and renders policy
implementation unsuccessful, because anticipated goals are never realized for
execution of any policy. Ogunsola (2005) observed that: Countries like USA,
Canada, and a number of European countries, as well as Asian countries like
India, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and South American countries
like Brazil, Chile, and Mexico among others, and Australia and Mauritius either
already have in place comprehensive ICTs policies and plans or are at an
advanced stage of implementing these programmes across their economies and
societies.
Finance is involved in addition to the human and technological
resources especially the ICT policies. In the strategies for finance and funding, it
is stated that government shall provide incentives to investors to enable them
grow rapidly and efficiently. Such incentives shall include: Taxes and import
duties shall be no less attractive than those for essential electrical and electronic
goods, fiscal incentives shall be provided to encourage the local manufacture of
telecommunications equipment and development of related software. Policy
statement should be terse, straightforward in order to achieve the set target or
goal. Specific modalities should be mapped out on how, who, where and when
to execute such policies that must advance the nation to her peak. Finance can
be a clog in the wheel of a well-articulated policy let alone the one prepare with
ulterior motive that is detrimental to the good. The persons through whom the
funds are allocated often divert such funds other resources to their private use,
thereby rendering implement of an articulated policy impossible.
It has been observed that in the area of universal access/service policy,
the success is dependent upon strong political support at the highest level that
recognizes the role of ICT as a tool for development rather than just a viable
source of government revenue. The Information sector in this nation is not
treasured. Until that is done, the information and communication technology
policies will continue to suffer lapses. There is regrettably lack of proper
planning of policy with constructive analysis and consultation of people in the
field for the realization. There seems to be the rush to borrow what exist in the
developed world without taken cognizance of the different circumstances and
peculiarities of operation.
Successful policy implementation requires a great deal of political will or
courage to challenge powerful elites and interest groups who may be stumbling
blocks in the ways of achieving desired results for the general good. In a bid to
position Thailand in a technology-driven and interconnected world, Thailand
government created a separate ministry for Information and Communication
Technologies (Aswalap, 2005). The problem of insufficient and unreliable data is
a perennials one. The quality and reliability of the statistical data on which
policies are based are weak, unrealistic or simply non-existent. There is also the
problem of inter- ministerial personnel and departmental rivalries coupled with
corruption. In addition, excessive caution and resistance to innovation and
change creating cumbersome bureaucratic procedures, become a hindrance to
successful policy implementation.
Global Information (GI) and Libraries
For years, libraries have been acquiring, processing, circulating and
preserving information materials in all media, although emphasis has been on
paper-based materials such as books and journals. Introduction of information
technology in libraries generally has improved and changed the face of
information acquisition, processing, dissemination and storage. Information is
being acquired both in paper and electronic formats and libraries are able to
convert some of their old collections to machine readable formats. Information
technology has also facilitated electronic networking, creation and accessing of
remote electronic databases, putting at the disposal of libraries and library users
a wide range of information services and products. Use of information
technology and access to electronic information networks is slowly transforming
libraries from book centered to information centered institutions (Chisenga,
2000). Emphasis is shifting from book collection and storage to access and
provision of electronic information services. In this shift of emphasis, GI is
playing a very important role.
GI is providing libraries and information institutions with an opportunity to
implement electronic networks and achieve the provision of access to remote
computerized information services and products, much easier than before.
Libraries are taking advantage of facilities available on the Internet and
integrating them into their daily operation. The Internet facilities are being used
to link to other libraries’ online public access catalogues (OPACs), access
remote electronic databases, publish electronically on Web servers, enhance
and improve library collection development programmes, communicate using email facilities, and provide reference services. Information technology brought
about a replacement of manual card catalogues with online electronic catalogue.
Dedicated telecommunications lines, (local, national, regional and sometimes
international) have been used to access remote online catalogues and
commercial databases. Sitting at computer terminals, Librarians and their clients
have access not only to information on their local library collections but also to
other collections located in other remote libraries, databases, and electronic
journals online.
ICT policies if properly implemented in Nigeria will provide libraries with
the infrastructure and facilities through which access to OPACs, electronic
databases and co-operative resource sharing can be done. Libraries today are
putting up their library computer servers on the Internet thereby making
available their information resources and facilities to millions of users around the
world. Commercial electronic databases are also being made available on the
Internet. Using the Internet‘s telnet facilities, librarians and other users can
access these products and services. A line to a local Internet Service Provider
(ISP), or connection to a local area network which is connected to the Internet,
is all that is required. In the Republic of South Africa, libraries are using the
Internet for electronic publishing on the WWW, accessing electronic catalogues
and databases using telnet facilities, file transfers using file transfer protocols,
and communication using e-mail (Chisenga, 2000).
In libraries, e-mail is being used for both official and personal
communication. It is being used for the transmission of interlibrary loan requests,
making of order inquires and placing of orders, receiving reference questions
from library users, sending reference questions to other libraries and receiving
answers to reference questions. E-mail is also being used to set up library
based news groups through which information about the library can be
disseminated. On a personal and professional level, librarians are using e-mail
facilities to access electronic conferences, and discussion groups. There is no
way these services can be utilized without provision of ICT facilities and Internet
connectivity in Nigerian libraries.
Lack of Information Policy in Nigeria
Effective ICT use for Africa should be built upon a strong information
policy, an instrument that is presently absent in many African countries. Alabi
(2004) has made a case for the need for an information policy in Africa
embracing information technology and other related policies. The absence of an
information policy would impinge upon the full utilization of information
technology policy, irrespective of how well it was defined. There exist initiatives
both at the continental and intercontinental levels, which should have compelled
Nigeria and other African countries to take steps in developing and implementing
national policies on information.
In some African countries such as Botswana and South Africa, there
exists evidence of information policies, which recognize the role of information
communication and technologies. Ifidon (2006) in his inaugural address
described Nigeria as “a nation without information policy.” The lack of
information policy coordinating, the acquisition, organization, and dissemination
of information, especially for developmental purposes tends to be a major
problem in all the African countries (Mostert, 2001). The absence of such policy
leads to poor co-ordination between related information systems as well as to
unnecessary competition he added.
Factors Hindering Internet Connectivity
The question that may be asked is, why is it that large number of
libraries in Nigeria are not linked to the Internet and take advantage of the
potential provided by Internet facilities and use them in the provision of library
and information services? The answers to this question according to Chisenga,
(2000) are: inadequate funding; inadequate telecommunication infrastructure and
high cost of telecommunication facilities; and a general shortage of skilled IT
human resources in libraries. To become part of the GI infrastructure, libraries
will require sufficient funding to support their activities. Funds will be required for
purchase and installation of information technology, establishment of local
electronic networks and connection to external networks, conversion of materials
to electronic format and training of library staff in various information technology
skills. In most Sub-Sahara Africa, the high cost of access to telecommunication
services, is an impediment to access to ICTs (Enakrire & Onyenania, 2007). The
Nigerian library and information sector is willing to join the globalization of
information, if the country revaluates its poorly-developed information
infrastructure, poorly-equipped information services personnel, under-funding of
library and information institutions sector, inconsistent and even lack of
government policies relating to the library and information sector. According to
Uhegbu (2008), library automation, which facilities globalization of information
and has been adopted by most libraries in the developed parts of the world, has
yet to take firm root in many libraries in Nigeria.
The question of digital divide, lack of ICT, and information policies
phenomena and their implications for the provision of information services in
libraries should concern information professionals regarding how they should be
addressed. Due to harsh economic conditions and government apathy to library
development in Nigeria, the state of ICT in university libraries is mediocre. Due
to the same economic conditions and government apathy, the content and
quality of services of most Nigerian university libraries have deteriorated to such
a level that the quality of the products of such universities has also been
adversely affected (Womboh, 2008). With the installation of the ICT in the
library, there will be simultaneous access for many people at the same time, and
library users will have self-service to replace the unreliable service they may
have received from library staff. Any university library without a functional ICT
connectivity will eventually become extinct and obsolete. Ajayi (2005) observes
that:
Any industry that sidelines ICT has simply signed a “death
warrant” on its continued relevance. The library represents one
area that has experienced this revolution. The fact that we live in
knowledge based society with the need for universal access has
made it necessary for the library to redefine its role and mode of
service delivery. The traditional “brick and mortar” libraries need to
give way to libraries that are not limited by geography. It is
essential for libraries to reinvent themselves if they hope to
develop and facilitate access to information in this digital age.
The Federal government of Nigeria has ICT plans and policies for the
country that have yet to materialize (Womboh, 2008). Emphasizing on the
relevance of ICT to effective modern library management and services, Aina
(2004) asserted that:
Information and communication technology (ICT) has
radically transformed most of the services provided by a library.
ICT is heavily utilized in the storage, processing and dissemination
of information. It has made the organization of information very
efficient, the delivery of basic information services more effective
and the dissemination of information to users easier. It has
eliminated a lot of routine and repetitive tasks in a library.
Conclusion
Libraries in Nigeria will be able to take advantage of the infrastructure
that is slowly being established only if ICT policies are been properly
implemented to pave the way for well funded, equipped and staffed libraries.
Otherwise, they will only be spectators in the establishment of or contribution to
the GI infrastructure, and in the final analysis they will be cut off from the rest of
the electronic world. According to the former minister of science and technology
in Nigeria Professor Turner T. Isoun as cited by Idris (2006), that India, Ghana
and Mali were very successful in ICT development. The expedient passage of IT
policy bill by the national assembly is not enough. What is needed here also
includes the harmonization and convergence of the IT bill with existing policies
such as the National Telecommunications policy. Technology driven sectors that
once used to be operated independently have now become mere
interdependent, this also calls for these various multi-sector ICT industries such
as energy generation infrastructure, mass media and communications, education
to develop convergence and harmonization strategies. The telecommunication
development authority must also have a capability to decide what level of
service is needed at the village level and can be justified from socio-economic
and developmental perspective. The Nigerian Technology Development Agency
needs to jointly formulate ICT investment promotion strategies, also to harmonize
the National Economic Development Plan, and the National Information
Technology Policy. A policy is only as effective as it’s implementation, policy
initiatives must be irrigated with a National environmental and culture that permit
and catalyze their execution. The most significant aspect of ICTs and
globalization that should concern the developing countries like Nigeria is the fact
that it has led to unprecedented inequalities in the distributing of benefits
between developed countries and the less developed. Certain prerequisites,
such as reliable power supply to operate the computers, a well-functioning
telephone network to transmit data, foreign currency to import the technology,
and the computer literate personnel are necessary for successful use of IT. It is
disheartening to note that such infrastructural elements remain inadequate in
many Sub-Saharan African countries. Since technology is a major driver of
globalization, the center piece of preparedness must be a focus on investments
that expand the technological capability of Nigeria - institutional development,
Research and Development (R&D) spending, venture capital for innovative
initiatives, and a forward looking educational curricula that prepare its graduates
for the challenges of globalization.
Recommendations
Review of the National IT policy document - update to reflect today’ ICT
Environment;
An assessment of the National information and communication
infrastructure process, as recommended by the Nations Economic
commission.
NUC should implement, as soon as possible, its proposal to sponsor
university librarians to tour university libraries in USA and UK. This will
enable librarians to be exposed to be exposed to the ways in which ICT
is used in offering modern library services.
A comparison of the National ICT program with the world summit on
information society (WSIS) declaration of principles and action plan to see
areas of synergy and benefit.
The government should set up powerful V-SATs and pay for adequate
size of bandwidth in all federal and state tertiary institutions.
Redesign of educational curriculum to become more ICT centric.
The government should increase funding to Nigerian universities, in order
to implement the National ICT Policies.
Periodic ICT policies performance review.
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